Taipei:Taiwan's ambassador to the Marshall Islands has returned home and will leave his post, According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), following a controversy over a proposed National Day drag show.
According to Focus Taiwan, local media reported that MOFA had deemed Herbert Hsu's suggestion for an October 10 performance as "inappropriate." The situation escalated when a video emerged showing Hsu in a rehearsal for the event, leading to bipartisan criticism.
During a legislative session, Michael Lin, director-general of MOFA's Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, emphasized that Hsu had been advised to maintain a formal demeanor while hosting National Day celebrations. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that the ministry managed to prevent a major controversy by recalling Hsu for clarification and review, ensuring no similar incidents occur in the future.
Minister Lin also noted that the incident did not affect Taiwan's relations with the Marshall Islands, as the government there supported Taiwan's handling of the matter. Hsu, who began his ambassadorial duties in December 2025, has temporarily been replaced by Minister Hank Liu, the embassy's second-in-command.
